What to do if Cortana Can’t Send Dictated Emails or Take Notes


3 solutions to fix Cortana not sending dictated emails

  1. Change your regional settings
  2. Restart Cortana
  3. Fix Windows Speech Recognition

One of the most anticipated features of Windows 10 was Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana. For the most part people are loving Cortana. However, there are some users complaining that they can’t send dictated emails and take notes with Cortana on Windows 10.
cortana use google wind8apps
Currently Cortana is only available in USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and China, but Microsoft will soon expand it to Japan, Australia, Canada (English only), and India (English only). In addition Brazil, Mexico, and Canada (French) should be added on the list of supported countries in near future.

UPDATE: Cortana is now available in 13 countries.

FIXED: Cortana won’t send emails

Solution 1: Change your regional settings

If you’re not in these countries, you can’t use Cortana, but you should also know that sending dictated emails is currently enabled only for UK and US. For example, if you’re using Cortana with French or German settings, you can’t send dictated emails. However, switching your regional settings to English unlocks these features.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open Settings and click on Time & Language.
  2. Then click on Region and Language from the sidebar.
  3. Find Country or region option, and select United Kingdom or United States from the list.
  4. Save the changes.

Now dictated emails and notes should work with Cortana. This little trick isn’t the best solution, especially if you don’t want to change your settings, but it’s the only workaround so far.

Microsoft has acknowledged that dictated emails are only available for English settings, and currently they are working on expanding their support for dictated emails. However, this might take a while, and we don’t know when this update will roll out.

So if you don’t want to wait for official update from Microsoft, try changing your regional settings in Windows 10 and see if this works for you. Also, if you’re confused about what Cortana can do on your computer, you can always ask her and she’ll list the all the supported features.

  • RELATED: Full Fix: Hey Cortana not Recognized in Windows 10

Solution 2: Restart Cortana

Another quick solution is to simply disable Cortana and restart your computer. Once your PC has booted up, you can re-enable Cortana and try to send an email to check if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Fix Windows Speech Recognition

Oftentimes, Cortana can’t send dictated emails due to Windows Speech Recognition problems. Here’s how you can fix that:

  1. Say ‘Stop listening to” stop Windows Speech Recognition
  2. Start Cortana > select ‘I agree’ to enable all the features of the assistant
  3. Enable Windows Speech Recognition back on by saying “start listening.”

If you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our Windows 10 Fix section.

RELATED GUIDES TO CHECK OUT:

Can I clean reinstall Windows 10/11 after upgrading?

Windows 10 is still offered as a free upgrade for most people, but it’s safe to say that some users are a bit skeptical about it. Users also have all sorts of question. One of the main questions these days is whether users can install a clean copy after a Windows 10 upgrade. Here’s the answer.
windows 10 rtm release wind8apps
When Windows 10 was first announced people were extremely excited when they found out that Windows 10 would be free for all genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. We were all excited when we were offered a free upgrade to latest operating system, but is Windows 10 really free, or is it just a free one-time upgrade?

Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading?

According to Microsoft, Windows 10 is free, and it will remain free for all users that have upgraded from genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8. This means that you can perform a clean reinstall of Windows 10 if you like, and you will still keep your license for free.

When you activate your Windows 10 through upgrade, it’s registered to your computer hardware, and you can reinstall it as many times as you want. This is extremely useful if you don’t want to go back to previous version of Windows, and you don’t want to keep it on your hard drive.

You can safely format your hard drive and install Windows 10 from scratch on the same computer. Bear in mind that Windows 10 is registered to your computer hardware, so you won’t be able to install it on your laptop or anywhere else.

Also remember that you can revert back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 if you don’t like Windows 10, but this doesn’t mean that you can install Windows 10 on any other computer using your license, because every computer gets one license, and that license is registered to that computer hardware even if you don’t use Windows 10 anymore.

These are some common questions that people are having about Windows 10, but if you’re concerned if you can perform a clean reinstall of Windows 10 after you’ve updated to Windows 10, there’s no need to worry.

You can perform as many clean reinstalls for free on your computer as long as your hardware, or in this case motherboard remains the same.

You can clean reinstall the OS by using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to create a bootable media to reinstall Windows 10. When you insert the bootable media, there are two options available: perform a clean install or upgrade again.

If your computer asks you to enter a product key, simply select the option ‘I’m reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC‘. This should force the install to continue and your computer will activate your product licence again.

You can also clean reinstall Windows 10 by using the Reset option of the Windows 10 Refresh Tool.

 

If you decide to upgrade your hardware, or if you replace it for some other reason, you might need to contact Microsoft to see if you can transfer your license.

If you have any Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our Windows 10 Fix section.

For more information on how to reinstall Windows 10, check out these guides:

New Windows Insider series to go behind the scenes on how Windows works

In the wake of a highly publicized fumble of a Windows 10 Update this fall, Microsoft’s Windows team is going back a trusted move from their playbook of old it seems.

Recently announced, the Windows team is unveiling its Windows Internals Series and is starting off the serial with a deep dive into the development of the One Windows Kernel.

I mentioned that the Windows team is using a familiar move with its announcement of the Windows Internals Series as it seems very reminiscent to an initiative the team used a couple of years ago where they published posts in what is now called the Feedback Hub, about the people behind the Windows 10 experience.

According to introductory post on the Windows Insider blog,

One of the pieces of feedback we regularly hear is that our fans want more detailed and technical articles diving deep into the behind-the-scenes on the development of the Windows OS. To address this feedback, we’re officially kicking off the Windows Internals series of articles today. Some of these articles will be new content published here on our Windows Insider website while others might be links to other blog posts from various teams talking about their work in Windows. The goal is to publish these articles whenever we can but there isn’t a set schedule. Sometimes we may have multiple articles within a single week and sometimes it might be a week or two between new articles. I’m keeping a list of topics in Microsoft To-Do and if you have any suggestions, feel free to tweet them my way!

The deep dive on the One Windows Kernel is published by Principal Group Program Manager Hari Pulapaka, who covers the flexibility and scale at which the Window Kernel operates. Despite the Windows team offering a mind-numbing amount of Stock Keeping Units or SKUs, the way the Windows Kernel operates among those different configurations remains relatively unchanged. The engineering development of such a flexible core is a rather impressive topic of discussion.

As with Windows CE, the One Windows Kernel is being plopped onto a multitude of devices such as laptops, game consoles, ATM machines, and countless IoT devices. Pulapaka covers the evolution of Microsoft’s highly touted One Windows Kernel and how it manages to scale to most architectures.

While this particular first piece of the Windows Internals Series does not directly tackle the feedback and development chain of Insider communication, it’s perhaps safe to say over the course of the series, Insiders will get a bit more clarity on how complex Windows development actually can be, and how somethings can be missed.

Satya Nadella hauls in a $25 million paycheck for a record fiscal year 2018

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella hauled in a massive paycheck for the fiscal year 2018 which was recently revealed in Microsoft’s Annual Proxy Statement after a year where several milestones were met by different Microsoft businesses. Salary, stock awards and cash bonuses together brought home a whopping $25.84 million in total for Nadella, though in stock awards he hasn’t beaten Bill Gates’ records just yet.

This year Microsoft stock went over the $100 per share mark which made $100 billion in revenue for investors.

Despite a significant culture change at Microsoft that was arguably spurred by Nadella, the company still finds itself in a lawsuit for gender discrimination. Nadella has acknowledged this and is looking to address similar issues within the company.

We remain committed to increasing diversity and making sure that Microsoft is a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. The judge made the right decision that this case should not be a class action.

The proxy document also displays for the first time how Nadella’s compensation compares to the median employee at Microsoft, this is thanks to the new ruling where CEO’s have to disclose pay ratios.

The median employee at Microsoft makes roughly $167,689 in compensation which translates to 154:1 when compared to Nadella.

Shareholders will have a lot to discuss this November in Bellevue at the Annual Shareholder Meeting which will start at 8am on the 28th.

Microsoft, LinkedIn

The proxy statement also shows the revenue from Microsoft’s cloud business equalling $23 billion, and the company’s gaming division hitting $10 billion. Integration with independent business LinkedIn and the acquisition of GitHub should also boost Microsoft’s revenue numbers this quarter. Nadella’s evaluated performance was marked at a 130 percent grade out of 200.

Not bad.

How to Fix No Sound in Fortnite [Step-by-Step]

If Fortnite suddenly has no sound-no—no footsteps, no lobby music, nothing—something’s broken. Here’s how to troubleshoot it and get your audio back, fast.

How can I fix in-game audio issues in Fortnite for PC?

Solution 1 – Disable Visualize Sound Effects

  1. Start the game.
  2. Open Settings.fortnite settings
  3. Choose the Audio section (speaker icon.)
  4. Select the “Visualize Sound Effects” feature.fortnite visualize and sound effects settings
  5. Make sure it’s set to “OFF” (as shown above).

Solution 2 – Check Sound drivers

  1. Type device manager in the taskbar and open it.
  2. Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers.device manager sound, video and game controllers
  3. Expand the list, and right-click on each device and select Update driver.update audio driver

Solution 3 – Run Fortnite as an administrator

  1. Right-click on the Fortnite desktop shortcut and open Properties.
  2. Choose the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the “Run this program as an administrator” box and confirm the selection.
  4. Do the same for the Epic Games Launcher.in game audio not working fortnite

Learn everything there is to know about the administrator account and how you can enable/disable it right here!

Solution 4 – Troubleshoot sound options for Fortnite

  1. Open Fortnite and minimize it by pressing the Windows key + M key.
  2. Press Windows key + I to summon the Settings app.
  3. Choose System.in game audio not working fortnite
  4. Select Sound from the left pane.
  5. Make sure both input and output devices are not muted. You can test them and run the troubleshooter if they won’t work.in game audio not working fortnite
  6. Now, open Advanced sound options.in game audio not working fortnite
  7. You should see Fortnite on the list. Make sure it’s not muted.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

Solution 5 – Update the game

The in-game sound got broken (completely or partially) after an update. This means that, if the game bug is causing the issue in the first place, the next update will deal with it.

To update Fortnite on PC, all you have to do is fire up the Epic Games launcher. If a new update is available, the installation will automatically start. Just wait for it to complete and restart your game.

Solution 6 – Set the default playback device

  1. Make sure that your sound input/output device (headphones, speakers, or mic) are plugged in.
  2. Close the game.
  3. Right-click on the Sound icon and open Sound from the contextual menu and choose Sound Settings.sound settings windows 11
  4. Check the volume settings for your output device and make sure none of them are muted or set to a very low value.volume settings windows

Solution 7 – Install DirectX

Make sure to download and install the latest iteration of DirectX (FROM MICROSOFT STORE!) , depending on the version your GPU supports. Also, look for the redistributables like VC++. This might solve the problem you have with the installation.

If you can’t install DirectX, use this troubleshooting guide to get rid of the problem.

Solution 8 – Reinstall the game

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type Control and open Control Panel.
  2. Click on Uninstall a program.in game audio not working fortnite
  3. Uninstall Fortnite.
  4. Use any of these tools we recommend to clear all remaining associated files and registry inputs.
  5. Use the Epic Games Launcher to download and install Fortnite again.

If you need more info on how to uninstall programs and apps in Windows 10, check out this dedicated guide.

Solution 9 – Reset your PC to factory settings

Here’s how to reset your PC and, hopefully, finally enjoy the full battle royale experience in Fortnite:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Choose Update & Security section.
  3. Select the Recovery from the left pane.
  4. Under the “Reset this PC” option, click Get started.in game audio not working fortnite

Need more info on how to factory reset your PC? Read this article and find out everything you need to know.

With that said, we can conclude this article. In case you have any alternative solution we forgot or a question concerning the enlisted ones, do tell. You can share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Fortnite has its fair share of issues, and no sound is just one of them. If your skins suddenly disappeared, you’re unable to join a party, seeing high CPU usage, or Fortnite’s just not working on Xbox One, you’re not alone.

Even payment problems like the dreaded “something went wrong” error have been popping up. The good news? Every one of these has a fix.

Console players may run into similar audio glitches, so check our full guide on fixing Fortnite sound not working on Xbox for solutions tailored to Xbox users.

Microsoft gets another low score from iFixit for Surface Pro 6

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 tablet started shipping in 10 markets yesterday, and the folks over at iFixit have already published their complete teardown. Surface devices are notoriously hard to repair, and as it turns out the Surface Pro 6 is unfortunately no exception.

Except from the new 8th gen quad-core Intel processors, iFixit found very little changes compared to the Surface Pro 5. Microsoft added new heat spreaders to deal with the additional heat produced by the more powerful processor, but there’s still no active cooling system inside. The battery is also identical to the one in the Pro 5, and it’s still glued-in, just like the display. Moreover, storage on the Surface Pro 6 is non-removable, and this wasn’t the case in previous versions.

iFixit highlighted a few positive things like the use of standard screws and a compatibility with the Surface Pro 5 display, but the new tablet is still very difficult to repair. “We found the same glued-shut (dare we say disposable?) 1/10 repairability score tablet we’ve seen for the past few years. No upgradability, no USB-C, a glued-in battery with a limited life—but hey, it comes in black,” wrote iFixit.

The teardown experts have yet to publish their analysis of the Surface Laptop 2, and expectations for this one may be a little bit higher. Last year, the original Surface Laptop got a 0/10 repairability score, with iFixit calling it a “glue-filled monstrosity.” The new model apparently kept the same chassis, and we doubt Microsoft made an extra effort to improve its repairability.

Windows Insiders are welcomed to Microsoft HQ

As one of the lucky winners of the #Insider2Campus contest, I got the chance to visit the Microsoft Campus in Redmond last week. The tour of the campus was an amazing experience. Some of you asked how did I enter the contest, what did I have to do and what did I see while I was there? Here is the full story.

The Windows Insiders Bug Bash and Contest

The contest consisted of participating in a Bug Bash where you go through step by step quests to try out the latest features from a new major Windows 10 update before it is released to the public. Windows Insiders leave feedback for the engineers back in Redmond so they can fix and resolve problems.

The rules were:

  1. You have to had been a Windows Insider by joining the program
  2. Download the latest preview build during the bug bash, there was one in June and one in July.
  3. Complete at least one quest in the feedback hub
  4. Post at least one feedback post in the Feedback Hub for the build you just downloaded.
  5. Submit a video and short brief on why your a windows fan and there was some specific criteria for this video.

Who were the other lucky winners?

The Tour:  

First off we had to get our Bacon! Yes, just like the strips from the narwhal (seriously I thought something was odd, it all made sense).

Then we were taken by bus to visit each of these places throughout the week.

A Modern Workplace – A look at how Microsoft is reshaping the workplace to make it more modern with spaces that provide collaborative working without sacrificing personal space. The Modern Workplace is so you can enjoy the secure environment and can exchange ideas and conversations so the best work can be produced in a faster more agile workspace.

The Anechoic Chamber – how audio is tested on devices namely Surface and Xbox devices. The chamber has won a Guinness World Record for being so quiet. The testing of sound on devices is important when used in certain conditions in the room, so this chamber cuts out all the noise levels and the devices get a proper test for all those decibel ranges.

The Surface Lab – A look at what makes up a Surface device, I was amazed at how much thought is put into the Surface Devices, every look and feel is designed with thoughtful care and attention. They are tested for durability so when you throw it at the wall it doesn’t crumble into pieces (Please don’t try this at home).

The Microsoft Garage – Experiments are conducted here and if they are lucky enough make it on the hall of fame. Some of these experiments include FindTime, a Microsoft App which is very useful when you’re trying to find time with a co-worker or family member. These experiments are made by small teams and interns also have a chance experiment.

Microsoft Treehouse – Another touch on the Modern Workplace, a new venture outdoors, where your well-being can be improved with the forces of nature. The sound and space around you is different, a more relaxing atmosphere. If you like nature then you will hear the rustling sound of a squirrel.

Envisioning Center – The home of the future, and the future of the workplace, how rapid change in the home environment and busy working lives feel like they are merging together sometimes. It is a vision of the future where technology is made easier to use and faster connectivity.

The New Modern Campus was showcased – we got chance to see the new Microsoft Campus through Hololens and walk around the new campus as if we were there, there is a focus on local communities getting involved and selling their products on campus.

At the end of the week, we had some fun on the webcast! You can see a replay from Mixer. The whole tour was very well organized by the Windows Insider Team, so much energy and excitement for us to be there made the tour that much enjoyable. Look out for more contests from the Windows Insiders Blog posts, you may get lucky like me to visit the campus.

Office 365 seeks to stop over 8 million business email phishing attempts with new low miss rate

Microsoft has released its report on Office 365’s phishing miss rate. According to their own statistics, the company has blocked approximately 5 billion phishing attempts on Office 365. This is though the analyzation of more than 400 billion emails the company says it scans each month.

The Redmond giant admitted in their blog post that when comparing their email account service with others, the company’s blocking of phishing emails wasn’t close to the high of other major email vendors during last year.

Microsoft show's how its miss rate for phishing emails was relatively high between November 2017 and January 2018
Microsoft show’s how its miss rate for phishing emails was relatively high between November 2017 and January 2018

This led to the company to hire thousands of security experts and to put in an annual $1 billion budget for cybersecurity protection. Enhancements include the detection of domain spoofing and display name impersonation as well blocking of links the service considers to be unsafe. The company really goes in depth in their post.

Microsoft outlines some of the types of phishing attempts it protects Office 365 users from.
Microsoft outlines some of the types of phishing attempts it protects Office 365 users from.

After a few months of improvement, the tech giant’s new statistics show that their security enhancements really paid off, and that their phishing miss rate was much lower than that of their leading competitors (although they didn’t specify which competitors were measured). Safe Links, the company’s URL link scanning service for Outlook, has protected users against 7 billion potential malicious links in 2018 alone.

Microsoft's new graft showing how Microsoft's phish-attempt blocking is now leading its competitors by a significant margin.
Microsoft’s new graph showing how Microsoft’s phish-attempt blocking is now leading its competitors by a significant margin.

Have you noticed improvement of Outlook’s phish-blocking when subscribed to Office 365? You thoughts are welcome in the comment box below.

New radial interface for typing text using a game controller or gestures appears in new Microsoft patent

If you ever tried to type text using the on-screen keyboard on the Xbox One or in the Windows Mixed Reality environment, you’re probably aware that the process can be really tedious. Microsoft and third-party manufacturers currently sell chatpads for the Xbox One controller, which make it easier to write text on Windows 10, the Xbox One or Windows Mixed Reality using a tiny keyboard, but it looks like Redmond could be developing a better solution based on a new radial interface (via Windows Central).

In a new patent titled “Text Entry Interface” and published last week, Microsoft explains why on-screen QWERTY keyboards offer a sub-optimal typing experience on gaming consoles and virtual reality headsets:

The QWERTY layout was designed and optimized for a two-handed, 10 finger input. However, it is inefficient and unnatural for the gaming, VR, AR, MR, and other input modalities (e.g., gamepad interaction, gaze, hand gestures, etc.). These modalities, by nature, are less efficient compared with simultaneous ten-fingers input. They are used to sequentially navigate a cursor or other indicator to desired characters on the QWERTY layout from character to character.

Microsoft’s alternative input solution for these devices would be a radial interface that would let consumers easily select letters using gamepad thumbsticks, which can be rotated to move the cursor and select different characters. You can see how it would work in the drawing below:

Moreover, the patent also mentions other types of inputs including voice, hand gestures, thumb gestures, as well as a “gaze” that would be performed through rotating eye movement. “Additionally or alternatively, identification of a character may be based on screen position, layer position, layer and/or character orientation, or other factors,” the patent description reads.

This all sounds pretty futuristic, but as with all patents this technology may never see the light of day. In the meantime, the good ol’ Xbox One chatpad with backlit keys is a pretty safe bet, even when using Windows Mixed Reality headsets: Starting with the October 2018 update, Microsoft added a new “Flashlight” feature to Windows 10 that lets you see your physical environment (in our case, the Xbox One chatpad or a PC keyboard) without removing your VR headset.

Microsoft teams up with Taco Bell to offer limited-edition Xbox One X consoles

Taco Bell has partnered with Microsoft to create a special limited-edition platinum Xbox One X consoles which feature the fast food joint’s iconic bell noise upon the console’s boot. Starting tomorrow, customers of the fast food joint can participate in their limited-time contest to win the console, which comes with a White Special Edition Xbox Elite controller, plus a three-month subscription to both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass.

Those who wish to enter can do so by buying the joint’s limited-time $5 Chalupa Cravings Deal. Inside the box, the customer receives a printed code, which can be sent via text to the phone number listed in the rules. The company says that a customer wins once every 10 minutes on average, and the promotion is here until November 21 (two days before Black Friday).

The Xbox One X is Microsoft’s latest and top-of-the-line console that plays Xbox One X Enhanced games in 4K and HDR. The console comes with 1 TB of storage and a built-in 4K-capable Blu-ray player. The limited-edition platinum edition is a slight variation of white version released a couple months back.

Will you be participating in the Xbox promotion? Let us know in the comments below.

How-To: All about Bluetooth on Windows 10

With the performance and availability of wireless peripherals continuing to grow, Bluetooth is becoming an increasingly common feature on Windows PCs. Whereas it was once limited to a handful of laptops, Bluetooth’s now a common sight on all Windows tablets and convertibles, as well as some desktops.

Bluetooth’s undergone steady development too, with its latest iteration focusing on improvements around power efficiency and performance. Many modern peripherals use Bluetooth for their wireless connections, including Microsoft’s Surface mouse and keyboard and the company’s latest Xbox One controllers for Windows.

Getting connected

Getting connected to a Bluetooth device is much easier in Windows 10. To get started, make sure Bluetooth is turned on – you can check using the Quick Action tile in Action Centre. If it’s highlighted with your accent colour, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to click the tile to turn Bluetooth on.

Bluetooth Quick Action

If you don’t see the Bluetooth quick action, you’ll need to head to the Settings app and enter the “Devices” category. You should land on the Bluetooth page automatically; turn the toggle button at the top on to enable Bluetooth. In the event there’s no Bluetooth page in the Settings app, make sure your device really has Bluetooth and that the adapter is enabled.

With Bluetooth turned on, you’re ready to connect. Again, the simplest way is to use Action Centre, this time clicking the “Connect” tile. If you don’t see this tile, you can also use the Bluetooth page in Settings (click “Add Bluetooth or other device”), or press the Win+K keyboard shortcut to open the Connect flyout. From this menu – or the Bluetooth settings page – you should see a list of available Bluetooth devices after a few seconds.

Adding a Bluetooth device

Tap or click the device you want to connect to and follow the instructions to complete the procedure. Some products may require you to enter a PIN or press a button as an additional security step. You should then be equipped to use the device; simple peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headsets will start working immediately, but specialist hardware might have additional steps before they’re ready.

At this point it’s worth mentioning the connection process is fundamentally the same for all kinds of device – whether it’s a mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth speaker or game controller. You can also use Windows’ Connect panel to connect to different, non-Bluetooth devices – for example, wireless display adapters using Miracast technology.

Removing Bluetooth devices

You should only need to go through the connection procedure the first time you use a new device. After that, most products will remember the connection and stay paired – you should just need to enable Bluetooth and turn on the device.

Removing a Bluetooth device

If you want Windows to forget a device, head back to the Devices > Bluetooth page in the Settings app. Find the device you want to remove – the list is organised by category – and click its name. Then just hit the “Remove device” button. Next time you want to use the product, you’ll have to add it again.

Using Bluetooth to send files

You can use Bluetooth to directly transfer files to compatible devices – mostly phones and media players. The simplest way to use this feature is through the Bluetooth icon in the system tray. If you don’t see it straight away, it’s probably buried in the overflow menu (click the little upwards-pointing arrow). Note that the icon only appears when Bluetooth is turned on.

Screenshot of Bluetooth system tray menu

To send a file, right-click the icon and choose “Send a file.” In this window, you’ll see all the devices you’ve previously connected to Windows which are capable of receiving files. Choose the device you want to share to and make sure it’s ready to receive. On the next screen, you’ll be able to pick the files to share and begin the transfer.

Screenshot of sending a file with Bluetooth

Receiving files is a similar process – right-click the taskbar icon and choose “Receive a file.” Your PC will now be ready to receive a file from a paired Bluetooth device. After the transfer completes, you’ll be able to pick a location to save the files.

Sending files with Bluetooth

Bluetooth isn’t a complicated technology but there are a few things to remember. First and foremost, Bluetooth must be turned on for any of this to work! If devices aren’t pairing to each other, make sure Bluetooth really is enabled and you’ve entered any PIN codes that may be required. One other tip is to turn off Bluetooth if you’re not going to use it regularly – although newer versions of the technology are much more power-efficient, it’s still a potential battery drain and security vulnerability.

The latest Chrome update leverages its PWA platform on Windows 10

Google may have just broken the dam on PWA’s being treated as first-class citizens on the desktop with its Chrome 70 release on Windows 10 and Chrome OS (Chrome 67). The latest Chrome upgrade comes with the rare collaborative support between Google’s browser and Microsoft’s Windows 10 that allows the browser to install PWA’s as regular applications on Windows 10.

The new feature means, apps such as Starbucks or Twitter which have been increasingly making use of PWAs, can now live on Windows 10 as more native experiences. Users can now install PWAs from the Chrome menu and see their installs appear in the Windows 10 Start Menu as any other Microsoft Store app or 3rd party application would, as well as supporting other Windows 10 settings like pinning the app to the taskbar or web notifications appearing in the Action Center.

The PWA version of Chrome apps act and appear much more like native apps by doing away with the browser chrome (pun intended) that usually surrounds the web version of the software and adhering to a higher experience standard for both Chrome and Windows 10 usage.

As part of the release notes, Google outlines the benefits of its PWA implementation as such,

Desktop progressive web apps can be ‘installed’ on the user’s device much like native apps. They’re fast. Feel integrated because they launched in the same way as other apps, and run in an app window, without an address bar or tabs. They’re reliable because service workers can cache all of the assets they need to run. And they create an engaging experience for users.

For its part, Google seems to view PWA’s as bridging the gap between the mobile experience and a familiar desktop paradigm for users.

Microsoft has pitched a similar narrative with its approach to PWA’s but has yet to drum up enough developer interest in its development platform.

Perhaps, as smartphone usage matures and the app paradigm resurfaces on the desktop in its more streamline mobile approach on Chrome OS or in the Microsoft Store iteration, and with the world’s leading browser developers putting its considerable influence behind it, Microsoft’s dream of a viable PWA platform could wind up being a more successful pivot than its UWP effort.

Where Can I Find my Windows 10 Product Key? [Quick Guide]

find product key in windows 10

You probably received Windows 10 as a free upgrade, so everything was done automatically for you, and you didn’t have to worry about any product keys, activation steps and stuff like that. But if you want to know the product key of your copy of Windows 10 just in case, I’m going to show you how to easily find it.

How to find Windows 10 Product Key?

The Windows Product key is actually not easy to find manually, because you’ll have to go through various registry scripts. So, not only that you’ll waste your time, you can also damage something in the registry, and there will be trouble.

But thankfully, there’s much easier solution. You can use some key-finder tools which will show you your product key in seconds.

How to locate your Windows 10 product key with ProduKey

produkey

I personally recommend NerSoft’s ProduKey, because it’s extremely simple tool to use and it will show you product keys of other software as well, not just your system. Click here and download ProduKey for free and it will immediately show you your product key.

You don’t even have to install it, just extract the .rar file and open the tool. Another good thing is that this tiny program doesn’t load your computer with junk promotional software and it doesn’t change your default search engine, like many programs do.

Speaking of which, if you want to change your default search engine  in Microsoft Edge, check out this article.

As I said, using this software is very easy. Just open it and it will show you the name of the software, it’s Product ID and most importantly it’s Product Key. If you double click on the name of any listed software, it will show you even more detailed info, and you can easily copy product key and everything else wherever you want.

I know you’re skeptical about using a third-party software while performing a system-related task. It’s okay, I was skeptical too. But you don’t have to worry about ProduKey, because it’s completely safe and it won’t damage your computer with malicious content. At the end of the day, it’s much more simple than going through complicated registry paths by yourself.

— RELATED: How to get a cheap Windows Product Key

Other methods to find your Windows Product Key

Additionally, you can retrieve your Windows 10 Product Key from your hardware manufacturer or from Microsoft Support.

If you bought a new computer running Windows, then the product key is preinstalled on it. Contact your hardware manufacturer for more information.

Also, if you purchased a digital copy of Windows 10 directly from Microsoft’s website, then you should have it in your confirmation email. If you deleted that email, contact Microsoft support to get more information about the respective digital license.

If you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our Windows 10 Fix section.

Using Windows 11 instead? View your product key in seconds with this quick guide: How to view your Windows 11 product key super fast.

RELATED GUIDES TO CHECK OUT:

Remove Login Screen in Windows 10: How to do it

Since Windows 10 is a security-oriented operating system, it requires you to enter a password for your Microsoft account before login, just as was the case earlier. But many users want to remove the login screen in Windows 10.

This is especially true if you’re the only person using the computer and want to boot it without interruptions. So, let’s find out how to disable the Windows login on startup.

This action is very simple, and it doesn’t require registry hacks or tweaks. All you need to do is to change a couple of settings in your User Account.

How do I get rid of the login screen in Windows 10?

Tip icon Tip
We advise you to perform this action only if you’re sure that no one else will use your computer because it will render the PC unprotected. So if you’re using Windows 10 at work, keeping your computer safe is better.

1. Use netplwiz

  1. Go to Search, type netplwiz and hit Enter.
  2. Uncheck Users must enter a username and password to use this computerskip login to windows 10 wind8apps
  3. Enter your password and click OK.
  4. Restart your computer, and it should sign in automatically without requesting a password

If you change your mind and decide to turn on password request at login again, you repeat the process and enable Users must enter a username and password to use this computer again. Simple and easy!

Also, if you were wondering how to disable the sign in Windows 11, disabling the dedicated checkbox also works on the latest iteration.

2. Use Group Policy

  1. Go to Start, type Edit group policy, and click the relevant search result.edit group policy
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, and select System.system configuration group policy
  3. Now, locate the option Logon, and double-click on Don’t display the Getting Started welcome screen at logon.Don’t display Getting Started welcome screen logon
  4. All you need to do is Enable this option; the login screen will no longer appear when you start your computer.

Another way to remove the Windows 10 login screen is to disable this feature directly from the Group Policy Editor. Remember the Home edition of Windows doesn’t come with the utility pre-installed, so you will have to manually install gpedit.msc.

Before you leave, find out how to set up passwordless login in Windows 10.

If you have any other problems, drop a comment below.

The Crysis trilogy is now backward-compatible on Xbox One

Xbox’s Major Nelson has just announced that Electronic Art’s classic Crysis trilogy of games for the Xbox 360 is now backward-compatible on the Xbox One. Crysis is EA’s sci-fi first-person shooter series where players are soldiers in high-tech “Nanosuits” who blast aliens that have come to invade and lay waste to the earth. As of this writing, each game can be individually purchased for just $19.99 on the Xbox 360 marketplace.

The Crysis trilogy follows the addition of Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 HD to the backward compatibility list last week, and those games are also considered cult-classics. There are now over 600 Xbox 360 and original Xbox games that are playable on the Xbox One, and the full list is available here.

Since the Crysis is published by EA, it’s safe to expect that it may soon join EA Access, the company’s Xbox Game Pass-like service for the Xbox One. In the meantime, though, owners of digital or physical copies can revisit the trilogy on the Xbox One today at no additional cost.

How to Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

Changing the default search engine on Edge is simple and easy to do. By default, the browser uses Bing, but you can quickly switch to another option such as Google, MSN or DuckDuckGo in just a few steps:

How to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge and type the web address of the search engine you want to set as default. (i.e. If you want Google, type google.com; if you prefer DuckDuckGo, type duckduckgo.com).
  2. Click the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.edge settings
  3. Select Privacy, Search, and Services.privacy search and services in edge settings
  4. Scroll down to Services and click on Address bar and search.address bar and search settings in edge
  5. Locate Search engine used in the address bar and select the option you want from the list. search engine used in address bar edge
  6. If the search engine you want to use is not listed, select Manage search engines.manage search engines
  7. Click the Add button and manually enter the web address of the search engine you want to use.add search engine in edge

We also have a special guide on how to change the default search engine in Edge to Google, so feel free to check it out.

Wrapping up

Edge is one of the top browsers on the market. And because it keeps adding cutting-edge features like Microsoft Start and Background Tab Summary, it will probably stay at the top of the game.

Though Microsoft recommends using Bing, the default search engine in Edge for the best experience. The browser fully integrates the search engine and supports Bing-powered features like Visual Search.

That said, many users still prefer the quality of search results of browsers like Google or the privacy offered by DuckDuckGo. Learn how to secure your browser and manage privacy while changing your search preferences in this full guide Privacy settings in Microsoft Edge.

Regardless of your reasons, follow the guidelines above to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft signs Made by Dislexia pledge, offers tools and support for students

Microsoft has announced that they have joined the Made by Dyslexia pledge, thus committing to give the hundreds of millions of dyslexic students all over the world access to tools to make it easier for them to effectively read and write. The company’s Learning Tools already helps people, including those with dyslexia, learn to do this without costing them anything.

Speech dictation is coming to the Word and OneNote web clients allowing the dyslexic to add written words to documents using their voices, which Microsoft says will be supported on all web browsers over the coming weeks. Speech dictation is already part of the company’s Office 365 desktop applications.

Immersive Reader is coming to Flipgrid, the company’s recently-acquired video-based learning platform. The new tool will make it easier for those struggling to read to do so with a lot more ease. Text can be spaced out, broken into syllables, and color-coded to indicate nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. Immersive Reader is already a feature of Word and OneNote on Windows 10 devices.

In addition to making reading easier, Immersive reader will also add support for math problems though the use of speech-to-text as well as highlighting a single line of text at a time to boost focus. This is not only useful for those with dyslexia, but those with dyscalculia and others who are differently-abled.

Immersive Reader helps with math, too.
Immersive Reader helps with math, too.

In addition to the math-solving tools, Microsoft will also add Microsoft Translate support to Immersive Reader to make it easier for people to read in another language. The Translate tool will allow syllable separation, text-to-speech, and picture definition of words.

For those lucky enough to get the October 2018 Update before it was pulled, Edge includes a number of new features to help with reading, including a built-in Dictionary tool for PDF documents, ePub books, and sites in Reading View. Reading view will addtionally include line-focusing to keep the attention on the words, and ePub books will feature many color options as well.

Office Lens will support optical character recognition on Android and will roll out to users of the Android mobile operating system starting later today. The feature is already available on iOS devices.

All these features will roll out to users periodically over the coming months. How do you think these tools will help your child learn?

 

How to Block Automatic Updates in Windows 10

Microsoft recently announced that users of the Windows 10 Home edition OS wouldn’t be able to control Windows Updates.

But probably because of many negative comments from users, the company decided to release a tool which will allow users to block automatic Windows 10 updates.
windows 10 rtm release wind8apps
As a part of a huge update pack for the latest Windows 10 version, among other updates and improvements, Microsoft also released a tool which helps you to prevent automatic updates.

It actually allows you to hide unwanted updates, as Windows won’t install hidden updates.


Need more ideas on how to disable Windows 10 automatic updates? Check out this guide.


Download KB3073930

If you didn’t receive this troubleshooter, which goes by the code of KB3073930, through Windows Update, you can download it from Microsoft’s website.

But, as Microsoft said, this troubleshooter is available only for the users of Windows Insider program, and it won’t make its way to the final version of the OS.

Since this tool works only in Insider build versions, this means that it will probably also work in the full version of Windows 10 when it gets released.

Using the troubleshooter is very simple, it works just like other Windows troubleshooters.

You just have to open it and select Hide updates. Once you select which updates you want to hide, Windows will hide them and they won’t be installed.

Updates are very useful for every Windows version because they provide additional stability and security to the system.

But, although it’s good for your system, a lot of people find downloading and installing them annoying, especially if they cannot control it.

So when Microsoft announced that all the updates for Windows 10 Home will be automatic, a lot of people were angry, and this tool can fix things at least a little bit.

Of course, if you don’t like the idea of downloading that tool on your computer, there are other methods that you can use to prevent Windows 10 from installing automatic updates.

For example, you can block the Update Services or set up a metered connection.

If you’re using Windows 10 Pro, you may consider yourself lucky. Users of this OS can use additional methods to block updates. They can even defer updates for up to 365 days.

For additional ways to block Windows 10 automatic updates, you can check out the guides below:

How to install a virtual machine on Windows 10 using Hyper V, now even easier with Quick Create

Currently, it’s possible to run a number of Linux distros natively on Windows 10. However, these Linux environments are limited in the features and tools that you can use.

In Windows 10, there are only three distros to choose from: Ubuntu, SUSE Linux Enterprise, and OpenSUSE Leap. All three distros rely on a command-line interface, so you’ll miss out on running any of the graphical experiences (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, or other Linux-based graphical applications).

To get a full-featured version of Linux on Windows 10, installing your favorite distro (Linux-speak for “a distributor or distributed version”) on a second PC is always an option if you are fortunate to have one, but not everyone has one to spare.

Luckily, you can just use your Windows 10 PC, it’s still possible to run a full-blown version of Linux by using a virtual machine (VM) using Hyper-V. Here’s what you need to do on Windows 10 to create a virtual machine using Hyper-V.

Enable Hyper-V on Windows 10

Hyper-V is a virtualization technology tool from Microsoft that is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Hyper-V allows you to create one or multiple virtual machines to install and run different OSes on one Windows 10 PC.

Having the correct Windows 10 version is not the only thing your PC needs; there are also hardware requirements:

  • 64-bit CPU with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT).
  • The processor must support VM Monitor Mode Extension (VT-c on Intel chips).
  • 4GB of memory at a minimum.

Here’s what you need to do to verify that your Windows 10 PC has Hyper-V support.

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, left-click the top result and click “run as administrator.”
  3. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
  4. Type the following command and press Enter: systeminfo.exe
  5. Under Hyper-V Requirements, If you see a “Yes,” your PC can run Hyper-V.

Hyper-V, Windows 10, virtualization

If the command displays “No” under Hyper-V Requirements, then your Windows 10 PC hardware doesn’t support this feature or you may have to enable these features manually in your system.

Now that you know your machine is Hyper-V capable, you need to enable Hyper-V. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Click on Programs.
  3. Click on Turn Windows features on or off
  4. A Windows Features pop-up box appears and you’ll need to check the Hyper-V option. Be careful that Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform are selected.
  5. Click OK.

install a virtual machine on windows 10

After Hyper-V is enabled, you will be prompted to restart your Windows 10 PC to finish installing the requested changes. Restart your computer. Hyper-V is now enabled. The next step will be to create a virtual machine using Hyper-V.

Now that Hyper-V is enabled and you’ve successfully added a virtualization layer to Windows 10, you’ll need to create a virtual machine (VM) for the Linux distro you want to use. In order to do that, you’ll need to create a virtual switch to connect the VM to the Internet. Here’s what you need to do next.

Creating a virtual switch

Use the following steps to configure a virtual switch on Hyper-V:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Open Hyper-V Manager.
  3. Click on the Action menu.
  4. Select New and click Virtual Switch Manager.

Microsoft, Virtual machine, VM, How-to
Next, you need to follow the highlighted items in the menu, as seen in the picture below. This will create a virtual switch. A virtual switch acts like an extra layer of security between your virtual machine and your Windows 10 PC.Microsoft, Virtual machine, VM, How-to

  1. Select New virtual network switch
  2. Select External.
  3. Select Create Virtual Switch.

Now, you need to customize your virtual switch. In this example, I used “Windows 10 Virtual Switch.” However, you can name your switch anything you want.

  1. Enter a virtual switch name (e.g., Windows 10 Virtual Switch).
  2. Under connection type, your network adapter should use the External network option.
  3. Select OK.

Microsoft, Windows 10, VM, Virtual machine

Now that you’ve successfully created a virtual switch, you can create a virtual machine. The purpose of a virtual switch is to provide protection by using security measures to provide an extra level of protection between virtual machines.

The virtual switch is an added safeguard in case anything goes wrong. Let’s walk through what you need to do to create a virtual machine.

Creating a Virtual Machine

  1. Open Hyper-V Manager
  2. Open the Action menu
  3. Select New and Select Virtual Machine.

Microsoft, Virtual machine, VM, How-to

Next, you will be taken to New Virtual Machine Wizard, which will walk you through the steps needed to set up a virtual machine in Windows 10 using Hyper-V.

The New Virtual Machine Wizard is pretty straightforward and Windows 10 handles all the default virtual machine settings. All you need to do in New Virtual Machine Wizard is to follow the prompts.

The New Virtual Machine Wizard takes the guesswork out of any questions you may have while setting up a virtual machine. Setting up a virtual machine is a breeze using the New Virtual Machine Wizard. Windows 10 makes setting up a virtual machine fast and easy. Here’s all you need to do to set up the virtual machine:

  1. Specify Name and Location
  2. Specify Generation
  3. Assign Memory
  4. Configure Networking
  5. Connect Virtual Hard Disk
  6. Pick Installation Options
  7. Summary

Depending on how you want to set up your VM, the New Virtual Machine Wizard will walk you step-by-step and let you customize your VM on Windows 10 using Hyper-V. In the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Microsoft made it even easier to create a VM with Hyper-V Quick Create.

Now, you can create a VM using Windows 10 dev environment or Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS. Quick Create can be launched independently of Hyper-V Manager and is a quick tool to use to create a VM in Windows 10.

Microsoft has a quick guide on how to use Hyper-V Quick Create available on the Windows blog. The only prerequisite for being able to use Hyper-V Quick Create is that you are running at least the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

Windows 10, Microsoft, Hyper-V Quick Create

With Hyper-V Quick Create, Microsoft shows that you can create a VM in Windows 10 in as little as three steps:

  1. Open Hyper-V Quick Create from the start menu.
  2. Select an operating system or choose your own by using a local installation source; if you want to use your own image to create the virtual machine, select Local Installation Source. or Select Change Installation Source. Be sure to pick the .iso or .vhdx that you want to turn into a new virtual machine. If the image is a Linux image, deselect the Secure Boot option. Secure Boot is only for Windows 10 dev environment.
  3. Select “Create Virtual Machine“

From there, Hyper-V Quick Create will create a VM for you without you needing to worry about it. Be aware that if you don’t have the OS already installed on your Windows PC, you will be required to download your preferred OS from within the Windows 10 app. You can also access Hyper-V Quick Create from the right pane within Hyper-V Manager.

Once you’ve created a virtual machine, you should see a screen like this (if you used Windows 10 dev environment).

Microsoft, Windows 10, VM

Obviously, Ubuntu and other OS welcome screens will have different welcome screens, but you will be able to successfully create a VM using Hyper-V Manager or Hyper-V Quick Create. Windows 10 is making creating virtual machines (VM) easier and faster than ever.

Hopefully, the tips listed above helped you install a virtual machine on Windows 10 using Huper-V. We’d also like to invite you to check out our separate guide where we’ll show you how to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine without TPM. Be sure to also share your experience with us in the comments.

Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at age 65

Paul Allen, the former Lakeside School classmate of Bill Gates, who went on to form Microsoft with his high school buddy in 1975, has died of lung cancer at age 65. Allen and Gates started Microsoft to at first to sell BASIC interpreters to Altair, and then rose to prominence with the development of MS-DOS, and then Windows and Office and all the rest. Allen left the company in 1982, but retained his shares in Microsoft stock, making him a billionaire many times over. Allen has battled cancer for a number of years, and recently announced that he was resuming treatment for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was an owner of the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Trailblazers, and was active in local Seattle and Portland goings-on as well as a long list of scientific, environmental, an exploration efforts through his company Vulcan, Inc., and numerous other ventures.

Allen’s Wikipedia page goes on and on with his accomplishments, and they really are too numerous to mention. He will be missed, in the Seattle Sports, Arts, and philanthropy circles, at Microsoft, and in many places around the world.

 

How to Fix Double Layered Tiles Borders in Windows Store

Universal apps became very important part of Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 operating systems. But some occasional bugs in Windows Store may limit the functionality or damage the appearance of the app and its Live Tile in Start Screen, Start Menu or Windows Store. One user complained that his Live Tiles are double-layered, and we’ll try to find a solution for his problem.
windows store double layered tiles wind8apps

How to fix Windows Store double layered tiles borders

There’s a very rare bug in Windows Store that makes layers of app tiles doubled. This issue could be very annoying because you won’t be able to install any app until you resolve the problem. To resolve this annoying issue you can try to reset the Windows Store and see if there are any changes.

You can easily reset the Windows Store with just a couple of clicks, and here’s exactly what you need to do:

  1. Go to Search, type wsreset and right-click on WSReset.exe
  2. Select Run as administrator and execute the command

This command will reset the Windows Store and you’ll get the message saying that your cache is cleared. Now login with your Microsoft account back to Windows Store and see if the tiles are back to normal. We cannot guarantee you that this solution will work, because we didn’t test it, as this issue is very rare and it occurs on a small amount of computers.

Additionally, you can also run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooting tool quickly scans your Windows 10 apps and automatically fixes all the issues that it detected.

To use this tool, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > scroll all the way down and launch the App troubleshooter, as shown in the screenshot below.

windows store apps troubleshooter

Just because this issue isn’t common Microsoft’s developing team didn’t even pay attention to it, so it didn’t release any Windows Store updates that will fix it, and you have to find the workaround on your own.

If you have any comments, suggestions or maybe more experience with the problem of this kind, please write it down in the comments. We would love to have more info about this rare, but annoying Windows Store bug.

RELATED GUIDES TO CHECK OUT:

How to fix computer sound problems in minutes

windows 10 rtm release wind8apps

Ever since the introduction of the Windows Insider program back in October 2014, besides other issues, people have often been reporting audio problems. A couple of factors could cause your sound to disappear in Windows 10, but there are also a couple of workarounds that will help you to return it.

Microsoft released many Windows 10 OS versions since 2015, and they are all stable operating systems. However, this wasn’t the case throughout the Windows Insider program, as many builds were unstable and incompatible with a lot of software solutions. Microsoft actually still works on improving compatibility of Windows 10 with various drivers and programs.

How do you fix sound problems on your computer?

Solution 1: Disable audio enhancement settings

If you’re sure that your audio driver is up to date, but you’re still facing the sound issue you can try with changing the sound format and disabling the enhancements. This issue actually occurred on my computer after installing some of the previous builds, but everything was back to normal after I changed my sound format from 16bit to 24bit.

You should try this workaround as well, and here’s what you need to do:

  1. Right-click on Speaker icon in the Task bar
  2. Open Playback devices
  3. Select your default playback device and go to Properties
  4. Go to Advanced tab
  5. Under Audio Format choose 24bit, 96000Hz (Studio Quality)
  6. Test if your sound is working and click OK

If you’re using an older audio card, you’ll need to switch to 16bit, if your current audio format is 24bit. But in most cases, switching from 16bit to 24 will get the job done. You can also try with disabling Audio Enhancements. To do so, follow first three steps from above, go to Enhancements tab and check Disable all enhancements.

Solution 2: Update your audio driver

So the first thing you should do, if you’re facing audio issues in Windows 10, is to check if your audio driver is updated. You probably know that, but it would do no harm if I mention it. 

We recommend a third-party tool (100% safe and tested by us) to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.

Solution 3: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Another solution is to run the built-in audio troubleshooter. With the help of this tool, you can quickly scan and assess your audio devices in order to automatically repair potential issues. You can launch the Windows 10 audio troubleshooter from the Settings page by going to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

That would be all, if you have some other kind of audio problem in Windows 10, tell us in the comments, we’ll try to provide you with another solution. Or you can just wait until Microsoft fixes the majority of problems via a hotfix.

Meanwhile, here are some additional solutions to fix sound problems on your PC:

KB4468550, KB4468304 fix audio issues on Windows 10 v1809

If you recently upgraded to the Windows 10 October 2018 Update but you’re planning to roll it back due to audio issues, well, just have a little patience. You should give Microsoft a second chance as the company recently rolled out two important patches that address audio bugs on Windows 10.

Windows 10 KB4468550 and KB4468304 target two specific audio problems that usually affect Intel audio drivers and HP computer, respectively.

Here’s the official KB4468550 changelog description:

This update addresses an issue where after installing the Intel Smart Sound Technology driver (version 09.21.00.3755) via Windows Update or manually, computer audio may stop working.

Update KB4468304 adds the following improvements:

In working with HP, Microsoft has identified an HP driver with known incompatibility with certain HP devices on Windows 10 versions 1803 and 1809.  On October 11, 2018 Microsoft removed the driver from Windows Update to reduce the number of devices affected.  Additionally, Microsoft has released this update to remove the incompatible driver from devices pending reboot.  HP is actively working on this issue.

As a quick reminder, after installing the HP keyboard driver, version 11.0.3.1, owners of HP devices may experience the annoying  Blue Screen of Death error: WDF_VIOLATION. This is due to an incompatibility issues on certain HP devices running Windows 10 versions 1803 and 1809. Fortunately, now there’s a hotfix for this problem.

Download KB4468550, KB4468304

You can download and install these two updates directly via Windows Update. All you need to do is go to Settings > Update & Security > Update and hit the ‘Check for updates’ button. Your computer will automatically download the necessary patches, depending on its hardware configuration.

check for updates

Of course, you can also get the patches from the Microsoft Update website. In this manner, you can better filter the updates that you’re going to download.

KB4468550, KB4468304 issues

For the time being, there are no known issues affecting KB4468550 or KB4468304. However, if these patches did break anything on your computer, let us know in the comments below.

Here are some additional troubleshooting guides that you can use to fix audio problems on Windows 10:

Microsoft to disable outdated TLS 1.0, 1.1 for Edge and IE early next year

Microsoft announced today its plans to drop support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol version 1.0 and 1.1 in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11 in the first half of 2020. This early notice comes just a couple of months before the 20th anniversary of TLS 1.0 on January 19, 2019.

“We are announcing our intent to disable these versions by default early, to allow the small portion  of remaining sites sufficient time to upgrade to a newer version,” said Kyle Pflug, Senior Program Manager, Microsoft Edge. According to data from SSL Labs that Microsoft’s blog post mentioned, 94% of the top websites already support the more recent TLS 1.2 cryptographic protocol, and less than 1% of secure connections in Microsoft Edge are currently using TLS 1.0 and 1.1.

“Most sites should not be impacted by this change,” said Pflug. If most websites already support the TLS 1.2 protocol, its successor TLS 1.3, which will allow faster and more secure connections has been defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in August of this year. Microsoft is already working to bring support for this new version of the protocol in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft launches new “blush” Surface Laptop 2 for the Chinese market

As Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are set to launch in select market this week, Surface head Panos Panay revealed today that a pink variant of the Surface Laptop 2 will be available exclusively in the Chinese market. The new “Blush” variant is a first for a Surface device, though you may remind that the original Surface Laptop was the first in the family to be available in different colours including Burgundy.

Microsoft making a pink version of its notebook is reminiscent of what Apple did with its 12-inch MacBook, which is also available in a “Rose Gold” colour. The Surface Laptop itself has often be referred to as a MacBook Air killer, with some unique characteristics such as a keyboard covered by Alcantara. If the original Surface Laptop was targeted at students, Microsoft seems to be aiming to reach a broader audience with its successor. There’s a new black variant for Surface fans who liked this particular finishing on the original Surface Pro or Surface RT, and Microsoft also ditched the potentially confusing Windows 10 in S Mode on the Surface Laptop 2 in favor of Windows 10 Home.

According to AdDuplex, the original Surface Laptop remains one the least popular Surface devices, with the brand new Surface Go being close to surpass it in usage share. It remains to be seen if the Surface Laptop 2 will be able to stand out next to other Surface devices and premium notebooks from competitors, but it’s definitely one the most stylish Surface devices to date. And with Microsoft launching its first Surface headphones next month, it’s almost like Surface is about to become a new lifestyle brand.

Windows 10 news recap: Microsoft Store preparing for Windows Core OS apps, Feedback Hub gets changes following multiple bugs, and more

Welcome back to our Windows 10 news recap, where we go over the top stories of the past week in the world of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.

Microsoft Store is reportedly getting ready to accept apps targeting Windows Core OS

Microsoft is quietly working on a different operating system, Windows Core OS, which is a modular operating system. Now, a new report suggests that the Microsoft Store is preparing to accept apps that target Windows Core OS, bringing its fruition ever-closer.

Windows 10’s October 2018 update brings audio issues, Microsoft explains the cause

The Windows 10 October 2018 update has been somewhat of a bug-ridden garden. The latest issue to affect users involves a driver update that was sent out via Windows Update, resulting in audio playback not working. Microsoft has explained the cause and released a further update to fix it.

Windows 10 Logo White Featured Hero Generic

More woes for Windows 10 October 2018 update as some HP owners report BSODs

Those who own a HP computer haven’t managed to avoid the issues that others are encountering with Windows 10’s October 2018 update either, with HP users experiencing BSODs. No known fix, other than user-provided workarounds, is available.

Microsoft updates its Windows Insider Feedback Hub in the wake of botched update

Following the number of bugs that have made it into the public release of the October 2018 update, Microsoft is making some changes to the Feedback Hub, asking users to add further information, such as the severity of the issue.

Feedback Hub

That’s it for this week – we’ll be back next week with more Windows 10 news!

FIX: External applications crash while using Outlook


What to do when external applications crash when sending emails via Outlook

  1. Make sure your Outlook is up to date
  2. Repair Outlook from Control Panel
  3. Unpack the executable file for the 3rd party application that crashes

It is not unusual to read that many online users claim their external applications crash while they are trying to send an e-mail through Outlook. This problem has also been addressed by Microsoft through an update in June 2018.

So if you are one of those users who are still experiencing this problem, you can use the solutions listed below.

How do I fix external application crashes related to Outlook?

Solution 1: Make sure your Outlook is up to date

In order to get the last update for Outlook, please follow the steps below:

  1. Open Outlook, go to File and click on Office Account
  2. Navigate to Update Options and click on Update now

According to Microsoft, changes have been made to Outlook in June 2018 to mitigate instances of a crash that happens if you are using a POP or IMAP account.

That is the reason why a good idea is to restart your Outlook up to three times to ensure that the service change is applied. These restarts ensure that the service change is recognized, downloaded and applied successfully to Outlook.

Solution 2: Repair Outlook from Control Panel

If your Outlook keeps causing you problems with other external applications you are using, a good suggestion is to try repair it. If you are using Windows 10, please follow the steps below according to the way your Office is installed:

A) Click-to-run installation

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features
  2. Select Outlook and then click on Modify
  3. In the window How would you like to repair your Office Programs, select Online Repair
  4. Click on Repair
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair
  6. Restart your computer

B) MSI installation

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features
  2. Select Outlook and then click on Modify
  3. In Change your installation, select Repair and then click Continue
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair
  5. Restart your computer

In order to check whether your Office is Click-to-run or MSI based:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File
  2. Click on Account or Office Account
  3. If you see an Update Options item, you have a Click-to-Run installation. If you do not see the Update Options item, you have an MSI-based install.

Solution 3: Unpack the executable file for the 3rd party application that crashes

Users reported that third-party applications crash when the executable file is packed with an exe-packer such as ASPack. Uncompressed executable file seems to work fine so please do try this solution as well.

We hope that you found this article to be useful and it helped you solve the fact that your third party applications crash while using Outlook.

If you have tried other methods as well that proved to be functional, please let us know in the comments section down below.

READ ALSO:

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Microsoft heads to the arctic circle to bring STEM skills to girls in Lapland

Getting more women and girls involved and participating in the tech industry has been no short feat and in many instances has been a monumental uphill battle for schools, investors, and companies as most efforts buck against a systemic gender bias decades in the making.

With that said, Microsoft and others, continue to put forth efforts to stimulate a curiosity of technology amongst girls.

In partnership with the citizens of Äkäslompolo, the Junior Achievement Finland group and the European Social Fund, the company co-hosted the recent Arctic Girlz in Tech event for some odd 50 girls between the ages of 15 and 16.

The AGT comprised of several inspirational workshops fully equipped with latest and greatest from Microsoft, encouraging young women who have a passion for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to explore a future in the technology industry.

The young ladies attending the event were able to explore technologies such as Microsoft’s HoloLens, 3D Printing, and more. Another perk of attending the world’s northernmost tech event of 2018, was the inclusion of courses on entrepreneurship that should help many of them work towards owning their business or funding their first incubator.

More importantly, the young ladies were also taught code through coding workshops and the use of Kodu Game Lap – a program designed to let children build their own games using rudimentary programming language.

With all things considered, the event was a relative success and according to the Coordinator of the European Social Fund Kaisa Kylä-Kaila, “we need more events like this where students have a chance to try technology.”

FIX: Free Reservation for Windows 10 not Working

The first version of Windows 10 was released more than two years ago. As a result, users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems are constantly reserving their free version of Windows 10 through the ‘Get Windows 10′ app.

But a lot of users are complaining that the free reservation of Windows 10 is not working for them, and they’re worried if they’ll managed to get their free copy of Windows on time.
get windows 10 for free wind8apps

How to reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10?

Well, there is a solution for this problem, but before we get to it, we’re going to give you a list of common problems which could prevent you from reserving a free version of Windows 10. Here’s the list of the most common issues:

  1. You didn’t receive necessary update which gives you the Get Windows 10 app
  2. You deleted the necessary Windows Update functionality
  3. You don’t have a genuine version of Windows
  4. Your computer is running Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, or Windows RT/RT 8.1, which are excluded from Get Windows 10 for free offer

How to fix Windows 10 Free Reservation issues

Running Windows Update will fix the first two issues, and you’ll be able to get Windows 10 for free. But if you don’t have a problem with any of issues mentioned above, you can try some more actual fix, which will require a system tweak. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open Notepad
  2. Copy the following text and paste it in Notepad:
    • REG QUERY “HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsUpgradeExperienceIndicators” /v UpgEx | findstr UpgExif “%errorlevel%” == “0” GOTO RunGWXreg add “HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsAppraiser” /v UtcOnetimeSend /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fschtasks /run /TN “MicrosoftWindowsApplication ExperienceMicrosoft Compatibility Appraiser”

      :CompatCheckRunning

      schtasks /query /TN “MicrosoftWindowsApplication ExperienceMicrosoft Compatibility Appraiser”

      schtasks /query /TN “MicrosoftWindowsApplication ExperienceMicrosoft Compatibility Appraiser” | findstr Ready

      if NOT “%errorlevel%” == “0” ping localhost >nul &goto :CompatCheckRunning

      :RunGWX

      schtasks /run /TN “MicrosoftWindowsSetupgwxrefreshgwxconfig”

  3. Click File, Save As
  4. Name the file ReserveWindows10.cmd
  5. In the dropdown menu Save as type select All Files
  6. Select the location for the file (for example C:Usersyour_nameDesktop) and click Save
  7. Now, right click on the Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin)
  8. Run the file you just saved by entering its location in the Command Prompt (C:Usersyour_nameDesktop) and hit Enter

The Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser could take some time until it finishes the process, so be patient. If the process gets stuck, then you don’t have the necessary update. So, check for updates once again, and then repeat the process.

This should solve your problem with the free reservation of Windows 10, but if you’re unable to even see the Get Windows 10 app icon in the taskbar, you can try some solutions listed in this article.

UPDATE: Windows 10 Free Reservation is no longer available for users. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Indeed, although the free upgrade offer is officially over, you can still download the latest Windows 10 OS version at any moment. All you need to do is make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements necessary to run the OS. Once you’ve checked this off your list, you can go to the Windows 10 Upgrade page and install the OS on your machine.

For more information on how to download the Windows 10 October 2018 Update on your computer (which is the newest OS version at the time of writing), you can check out this guide.

RELATED GUIDES TO CHECK OUT:

How to Take a Screenshot in Windows 10

Taking a screenshot is always useful. You never know when you might need to capture your screen image. And in Windows 10, taking a screenshot is not much more complicated than in previous versions of Windows. Here are a few methods that you can use to capture a screenshot in Windows 10.

Methods to take a screenshot in Windows 10

1. Press Print Screen on your keyboard

Probably the fastest way to create a screenshot in Windows is to press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. Pressing this button will automatically capture the current scene on your screen and you’ll be able to save the picture through some picture-editing software, like Paint. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

  1. When you want to make a screenshot, press Print Screen key on your keyboard
  2. Open Paint and go to Paste
  3. If you want to, you can crop your image or edit it
  4. Go to Save, name your screenshot and save it to a desired location

This is probably the most common way of taking a screenshot in Windows operating systems, but you can try some other way if you prefer.

2. Use Microsoft Snipping Tool

Using Windows’ built-in Snipping Tool is probably the fastest way of capturing a screenshot in Windows, but it’s not as popular as using the Print Screen key. To take a screenshot with Snipping Tool, do the following:

  1. Go To Search, type snipping tool, and open Snipping Tool
  2. Go to New
  3. Mark the part of the screen you want to capture with a rectangle
  4. Go to Save Snip

As we expect Snipping Tool to receive the first update since its introduction in Windows 10, you will have even more options of taking a screenshot.

3. Use a screenshot taking tool

You can also use some third-party software for taking screenshots, but since Windows itself offers a couple of options for this, using third-party software is not necessary, and I recommend you to stick with the methods I showed you above.

But if you’re still seeking for a useful tool, Loom appears to offer the best value for the money. You may record and edit your videos and pictures in addition to record internal audio.

How to take screenshots on HP laptops

Taking a screenshot on HP laptops is not that straightforward. On most HP laptop models, hitting the Print Screen key is not enough. In order to take a screenshot on your HP computer, you need to press the Fn key and the Print Screen key at the same time.

How to take screenshots on Dell and Asus laptops

On particular Dell and Asus computers, you need to use the same method described above in order to take a screenshot. So, press the Fn key and the Print Screen key at the same time to capture your screenshot.

How to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 Surface device

There are several methods that you can use in order to take a screenshot on your Microsoft Surface device.

  1. Press the Windows logo located in the front of the device and push the volume down button
  2. Press the Windows key and the Print Screen key
  3. Press the Alt and Print Screen keys to capture only the active window
  4. Press the top button of your Surface Pen twice.

There you go, this is how you can take screenshots on your Windows 10 devices.

FIX: Two Control Panel Windows Open in Windows 10/11

multiple control panels wind8apps

Although Windows 10 is far more stable than it was when the Insider Program started, users are still facing some strange issues. This time, some users complained about how every time they open Control Panel, two windows show up. But this is a minor issue, and it can be resolved easily.

Why does Windows open two Control Panel screens?

Users report that when they try to open Control Panel, two windows of Explorer open instead of one, which is expected. This problem occurs when they try to open Control Panel with Cortana, but also when they access it from Win + X menu. Simply said, howsoever they open Control Panel, two windows show up, and it’s very annoying.

1. Edit folder and search options

But, there’s an explanation why this happens. Due some kind of bug in Windows 10, whenever you try to open Control Panel, it will open twice if the option “Lanuch folder windows in a separate process” in File Explorer is enabled. To fix this issue, just follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click the File button and choose Change folder and search optionsChange folder search options
  3. Go to the View tab and untick Launch folder windows in a separate process

That would be all, you can open Control Panel again and you’ll see that only one window will open. We’re sure that Microsoft will get rid of this and other small bugs of the kind by the time the next Windows 10 version comes out, or maybe even in some of the coming builds. But until then, small workarounds like this will get the job done.

2. Update your computer

Make sure that you’re running the latest OS updates on your machine. Microsoft regularly rolls out new system updates to make the OS more stable and add various bug fixes and improvements.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

windows 10 october update check for updates

If you have any comments or suggestions, write them down in the comments section below, we’d certainly like to read your thoughts.

How to Fix “The Drivers for This Device Are Not Installed. (Code 28) “Bluetooth Error

Error Code 28 means the driver for a specific device is not installed or Windows just cannot install it for some reason.

This can affect various drivers, including the Bluetooth driver on your computer. To help you ou,t we have put together a few workarounds that should get your Bluetooth driver installed and working on your laptop.

Solution 1: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

You can run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter to see if something’s wrong with your Bluetooth device. If Windows finds some errors, it will provide you with the appropriate solution. Here’s what you need to do to run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

  1. Go to Search, type troubleshoot, and open Troubleshooting
  2. Click on Hardware and Sound, and click on Hardware and Deviceshardware and devices troubleshooter control panel
  3. Let the wizard scan your devices for errors

Solution 2: Update your Bluetooth driver

Many users confirmed that updating their Bluetooth drivers fixes this issue. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Open Device Manager > select Bluetooth driversuninstall bluetooth drivers device manager
  2. Right-click on the driver > select Uninstall
  3. Now, go to View > Check for hardware changes to install the latest Bluetooth drivers.

An easier and safe alternative would be to use third-party software that updates the latest drivers automatically. The tool will initiate a deep scan and find the most suitable Bluetooth drivers within seconds.

Fortect Driver Updater has a library of practically all the drivers that updates itself on a regular basis. With a single click, it also detects and installs all the drivers for regularly used utilities, such as a Bluetooth driver.

It works with all versions of Windows and makes updating drivers a breeze. Fortect Driver Updater may be set to find outdated drivers automatically. It analyzes the computer, generates a status report, and restores the system to its original configuration, without the hassle of looking for the right compatible Bluetooth driver.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

Solution 3: Run the Update Troubleshooter

If everything is okay with your Bluetooth device, you can run an Update Troubleshooter. This step especially applies to users of Windows 10 TP who have problems with their Bluetooth driver.

Microsoft delivers new drivers through Update almost every day, and if your Update service doesn’t work properly, you’ll be unable to receive a driver update for your Bluetooth device.

To open Updates Troubleshooter, open Windows Troubleshooter (as shown in step 1 above), and click on Fix problems with Windows Update, under System and Security.

windows update troubleshooter control panel

On newer Windows 10 versions, you can launch both these troubleshooters from the Settings page. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and simply launch the tools.

troubleshoot hardware and devices

Solution 4: Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Since error 28 is a Bluetooth-specific error code, you can also run the Bluetooth troubleshooter, as shown in the screenshot below.

bluetooth troubleshooter windows 10

Solution 5: Contact manufacturer support

Laptop manufacturers usually provide all need support to their users. So, go to your laptop’s manufacturer’s website and search for a Bluetooth driver. You can also contact their support service, and I’m sure they’ll give you any needed assistance.

While I was searching for solutions to this problem, I noticed one interesting thing. Some laptops have only one button for turning on both WiFi and Bluetooth, so if this is the case with your laptop, press that button a couple of times, and your Bluetooth should activate, letting Windows install drivers normally.

If you need help with Bluetooth drivers, check out how to download for Windows 11, install on Windows 10, or reinstall on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, plus the latest updates from Intel and their Bluetooth driver releases.

How did you manage to resolve this issue? Let us know in the comment area below.

Keep Your PC on Until This is Done: 3 Ways to Fix it

Keep your PC on until this is done message appears while updating or installing Windows. However, many reported that they are stuck on this message.

This can be a problem since you won’t be able to complete the installation and access your files at all. However, there are ways to fix this problem, and today, we’ll show you how.

Why is the update restart taking so long?

  • There might be issues with driver compatibility.
  • Installation files might be corrupted.
  • In some rare instances, hardware issues can cause this problem.

How can I fix Keep your PC on until this is done message?

1. Restart your computer

  1. Press and hold the Power button for a couple of settings, until your computer shuts down.
  2. After that, turn on your computer and check if you’re able to boot normally.
  3. Alternatively, you can press the Restart button on your PC.

2. Use System Restore

  1. Restart your PC several times during the boot.
  2. From the list of options, select Troubleshoot.
  3. Next, select Advanced options.
  4. After that, go to System Restore.
     
  5. Select your user account and enter its password.
  6. When System Restore opens, click Next.
  7. Select the desired restore point and follow the instructions on the screen.

Your system should be restored to the latest working configuration now.

3. Use the Windows install disc

  1. Insert Windows installation media and boot from it.
  2. Select the Upgrade option.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Keep your PC on until this is done error message can prevent you from installing updates, but hopefully, this guide helped you fix the issue.

If you’re having more issues, our guide on Windows 10 installation is stuck should be able to help you fix the problem.

Did you find a different solution? If so, share it with us in the comments below.

Microsoft sets October 24th for 1st qtr earnings release, gets some good news after a tough week in the market

If you follow the US stock market (and recently I do, a little bit too closely), you’ll know that this was a tough week for stocks, especially tech ones. Microsoft, before rebounding slightly today, took quite a hit for the week, dropping from an early high of 112.97 to a low of 105.46, and other tech stocks and the market in general took a beating. Luckily the news is a bit better today, and the company got a bit of extra help this morning as financial analysis firm Macquarie upgraded Microsoft stocks from “Neutral” to “Outperform,” suggesting a target price of $121.

In somewhat related news, Microsoft is set to share its first quarter earnings, announcing that it will publish fiscal year 2019 first-quarter financial results on October 24th. As usual, there will be a live webcast of the earnings conference call at 2:30 Pacific time. We’ll be watching closely, but expect the company to continue on the roll it’s been on, market glitches or no.

Can’t find your Windows 10/11 Product Key? Check this out

If you want to perform a fresh installation of your Windows 10, 8.1 but you didn’t remember your product key, don’t worry there’s a way to find it.
How To Find Your Windows Product Key

Use Jelly Bean Key Finder

To find your product key, you’re going to need a help from third-party software Jelly Bean Key Finder. You’ll probably think that this is some sort of tool for Android devices, but don’t worry, it works in Windows too. It will help you to quickly locate your product key on your computer. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Download Magical Jelly Bean and follow the installation process to install it on your computer.
  2. Open the program, the shortcut will probably be placed on your Desktop.
  3. Go ahead and scan your installations to find product keys of supported programs, this will include your Windows and Office versions, but also other listed programs
  4. When the scan is complete, the tool will display a window with entries in the left pane for whatever installed versions of Microsoft Windows it detected.
  5. Click the entry of Microsoft Windows to see the key and other information about your system (Don’t confuse it with Product ID, because it’s not what we’re looking for). You’ll find the key under CD Key on the right side of the window. Copy or write this information down in order to use it in your Windows installation later

That’s all, now you have your Windows product key again and you can install a fresh copy of Windows whenever you want. Maybe you don’t like the idea of using a third-party software for system task like this, but don’t worry this tool is trustworthy and you shouldn’t be afraid to use it.

How to find your Windows 10 product key

If you`re using Windows 10, here’s what you should know. First of all, if you purchased a boxed copy of Windows 10, you`ll find the key on a label in the box. If bought online, you should receive the key in an email. In case your Windows 10 it’s a free upgrade or it came with a new PC, there may be no key due to a ‘digital entitlement’ method.

Another method is ProduKey, a product that can retrieve your Microsoft Windows original key. Here is a link where you can download the software. For more information about this product, you can check out this guide.

For additional information on how to change your product key or fix Windows 10 product key related issues, you can check out the posts listed below:

If you have any additional comments or suggestions related to this article, please write them down in the comments section below.

Tune it to the Windows Insider webcast this morning at 10:30AM PDT

The Windows Insider webcast is making a comeback this Friday, and you can tune in on the dedicated Mixer channel starting at 10:30AM PDT. This episode may be pretty special considering that Microsoft has finally explained what went wrong with the October 2018 Update release, and we may hear more about it this morning.

Additionally, Microsoft invited the winners of the #Insiders2Campus contest to visit Microsoft’s headquarters this week, and the lucky winners will apparently make an appearance during the webcast.

Microsoft rarely releases new Windows 10 Insider builds on Fridays, but the webcast could be a good opportunity to ship a new 19H1 build to Fast and Skip Ahead Insiders. Both rings received the build 18252 last week, and we know many of you are ready for a new one. Make sure to listen to the webcast as an announcement may be made this morning, buy we’ll all have to tune in to find out.